General Arts and Science
Certificate
2015-2016 Student Handbook
Program # 0789
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and
Advanced Learning
Note: This is a companion document to the current
Conestoga College Student Guide.
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Table of Contents
1) WELCOME ..................................................................................................................... 4
Conestoga Mission .......................................................................................................... 4
Program Handbook Guidelines ........................................................................................ 4
2) PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM....................................................................................... 5
2.1 Program Faculty ........................................................................................................ 5
Other Faculty ................................................................................................................... 5
3) PROGRAM OVERVIEW ................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Program Description .................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Program Learning Outcomes ..................................................................................... 6
3.3 Program Curriculum Sequence/Design ...................................................................... 7
Level One: ................................................................................................................... 7
Level Two: ................................................................................................................... 7
4) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION .......................................................................... 7
4.1 Career Services – Program Specific .......................................................................... 7
4.2 Co-Curricular Record ................................................................................................. 8
4.3 Co-op Services – Program Specific ........................................................................... 8
4.4 Orientation – Program Specific .................................................................................. 8
5) PROGRAM INFORMATION & PROTOCOLS ................................................................. 8
5.1 Academic Assistance ................................................................................................. 8
5.2 Academic Dates......................................................................................................... 8
5.3 Academic Probation – Program Protocols .................................................................. 8
6) PROGRAM OVERVIEW ................................................................................................. 9
6.1 Program Description .................................................................................................. 9
6.2 Program Learning Outcomes ..................................................................................... 9
6.3 Program Curriculum Sequence/Design .................................................................... 10
Level One: ................................................................................................................. 10
Level Two: ................................................................................................................. 10
7) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION ........................................................................ 10
7.1 Career Services – Program Specific ........................................................................ 10
7.2 Co-Curricular Record ............................................................................................... 11
7.3 Co-op Services – Program Specific ......................................................................... 11
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7.4 Orientation – Program Specific ................................................................................ 11
8) PROGRAM INFORMATION & PROTOCOLS ............................................................... 11
8.1 Academic Assistance ............................................................................................... 11
8.2 Academic Dates....................................................................................................... 11
8.3 Academic Probation – Program Protocols ................................................................ 11
8.4 Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Protocols ................... 12
8.5 Attendance – Program Protocols ............................................................................. 12
8.6 Awards – Program Specific ...................................................................................... 12
8.7 Clearance of Academic Deficiency – Program Protocols .......................................... 12
8.8 Communication – Program Standard & Emailing Protocols ...................................... 13
8.9 Eligibility – Program Protocols ................................................................................. 13
8.10
Course Add/Drop – Program .............................................................................. 13
8.11
Transfer/PathwayOpportunities ......................................................................... 13
8.12
Deferral, Discontinuance, or Probation ............................................................... 13
8.13
Evaluations (deadlines, tests and assignments) – Program Protocols ................. 14
8.14
Graduation ......................................................................................................... 14
8.15
Program Transfer Protocols ................................................................................ 14
8.16
Program Progression.......................................................................................... 14
8.17
Program Advisory Committee (PAC) .................................................................. 15
8.18
Student Feedback .............................................................................................. 15
Key Performance Indicators ........................................................................................... 15
Student Appraisal of Teaching ....................................................................................... 15
8.19
Student Representatives – Program Protocols ................................................... 16
9) FACILITY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS ............................................... 16
10)
SAFETY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS ........................................... 16
10.1
Basic Safety ....................................................................................................... 16
10.2
Emergency Program Protocols ........................................................................... 16
11)
CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ..................................................... 16
12)
Program Handbook Revision Log............................................................................ 16
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1) WELCOME
Welcome to Conestoga College, the next step in your pursuit of post-secondary
learning. The School of Liberal Studies is your gateway to a variety of other college
programs in the fields of Health Sciences, Community Services, Business, Information
Technology, Engineering, and Media and Design. It can also be your gateway to
degree-level academic learning at either colleges or universities, if that is your goal. In
particular, the General Arts and Sciences programs are designed to help you define
your academic or career path by discovering your passion, developing your creativity,
enhancing your professionalism, and augmenting your post-secondary academic
achievements.
The purpose of this guide is to provide students with program specific details and other
important information needed, while studying in the School of Liberal Studies. The
material in this guide is accurate at the date of posting, and is applicable for the current
academic year. Students will be informed of changes as required through the
Conestoga email system. Program handbooks are updated yearly and students must
check their program handbook for the current edition.
This guide must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga
College found on the website and in the student guide. The information in the Student
Guide and on the college website applies to all students, regardless of program, and will
be referred to in Phase II Orientation at the beginning of the first semester in a program.
It is the responsibility of each student to review and understand this document. The
School of Liberal Studies is here to educate students on how to manage their college
experience, navigate the college systems, make informed decisions, and assume
responsibility for their academic success. If there are any questions or concerns
regarding the content of this document, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Conestoga Mission
To CHAMPION innovation and excellence in the development and delivery of education
and training.
To SERVE responsibly the diverse and ever-changing needs of the community.
To INSPIRE students and employees to strive toward their highest potential.
Program Handbook Guidelines
The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program specific details and
other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of
posting, and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of
handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are
updated yearly and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.
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2) PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM
Chris Buuck
Dean – School of Liberal Studies and School of Language and Communication
Studies
cbuuck@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748 - 5220 ext. 3675
Andrew Schmitz
Academic Chair Ph.D.
aschmitz@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748 - 5220 ext. 2319
Mary-Lynn Dedels
Administrative Assistant to Academic Chair
mdedels@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220 ext. 3265
Laura McAlister Program Coordinator
lmcalister@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220 ext. 2713
2.1 Program Faculty
Deb Cox
Rick Mitchell
Therese Morgan
Laura Quirk
Other Faculty
In addition to the core complement of your full-time program faculty, other faculty will
work with you for the duration of this program. These include faculty from other schools
for general education courses, as well as faculty with particular expertise in specific
areas of academic focus.
Contact information for this faculty will typically be provided on the first day of related
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courses.
3) PROGRAM OVERVIEW
3.1 Program Description
This one-year certificate program is designed for students who wish to acquire a general
education in the arts and sciences while exploring educational or vocational options
within the college or other institutions. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in
three major disciplines: humanities, applied mathematics and science, and social and
behavioural sciences. Students have the opportunity to select courses based on interest
and will participate in a course focused on career goals.
After successful completion of the one-year certificate, students may wish to transfer
into year two of the General Arts and Science Diploma program or transfer to another
post-secondary program.
Students can find their program design on the Student Portal by following the steps
below:
1. Log in to Student Portal
2. Click on ‘My Courses’ tab
3. Select ‘View Progress Report’ button
Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most
current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To
find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to the ‘Program Courses’.
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The program
coordinator/academic advisor and faculty can advise students on specific program and
course information such as adding/dropping courses, special timetabling, etc. Access
the Conestoga website for assistance provided through Accessibility Services. Access
the Learning Commons website for detailed information on the academic services they
provide, including Learning Skills, Peer Services, Math and Writing assistance.
Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and
withdrawal are located in the Student Guide. Course changes (add/dropping) may also
be made through the Student Portal under the “My Courses” tab.
3.2 Program Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
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1. Develop insight into both self and society through general knowledge gained in a
wide range of subjects.
2. Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order that he/she
may develop communication competence to a level required by business and
industry.
3. Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
4. Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in
developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
3.3 Program Curriculum Sequence/Design
The following is the anticipated program sequence for the 2015-16 academic year.
Occasionally, minor program design changes do occur and students are notified of
these changes.
Level One:
CDEV1121 Career Options
COMM1085 College Reading and Writing Skills
COMP1076 Computer Software Applications
LIBS1540 Student Success for Higher Learning MATH1400
Essential Mathematics
1 General Education Elective (minimum 42 hours)
Level Two:
BUS1070 Introduction to Human Relations
LIBS1520 Introduction to Social Sciences
LIBS1560 Our Domain: Introduction to World Geography SCIE1060
Understanding Science
2 General Education Electives (minimum 84 hours)
4) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s student services information.
4.1 Career Services – Program Specific
Some students seek admission to more specific vocational/educational programs at
Conestoga College or elsewhere following completion of one, two or three semesters.
Those graduating after the fourth semester often find employment relating to their
choice of vocational discipline. Some graduates continue their education at university.
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4.2 Co-Curricular Record
The CCR is an official document, complementary to your academic transcript, which
recognizes and records learning that you have achieved through approved co-curricular
experiences at Conestoga College. For more information and how to be involved with
the CCR, please email ccr@conestogac.on.ca.
Several General Arts and Science students participate in the annual College Fair to
develop their CCR.
4.3 Co-op Services – Program Specific
Not required for this program.
4.4 Orientation – Program Specific
Program orientation activities are conducted at Conestoga College.
5) PROGRAM INFORMATION & PROTOCOLS
5.1 Academic Assistance
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The
program coordinator and faculty can advise students on specific program and course
information. Access the Conestoga website for assistance provided through
Accessibility Services. Access the Learning Commons website for detailed information
on the academic services they provide, including Learning Skills, Peer Services, Math
and Writing assistance.
5.2 Academic Dates
Refer to your Student Guide for academic dates.
5.3 Academic Probation – Program Protocols
Academic probation could occur in the following circumstances:
• one or more cited instances of plagiarism (See Academic Integrity Policy)
• lack of attendance/lack of effort in more than one course which results in multiple
failures within a year
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6) PROGRAM OVERVIEW
6.1 Program Description
This one-year certificate program is designed for students who wish to acquire a general
education in the arts and sciences while exploring educational or vocational options
within the college or other institutions. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in
three major disciplines: humanities, applied mathematics and science, and social and
behavioural sciences. Students have the opportunity to select courses based on interest
and will participate in a course focused on career goals.
After successful completion of the one-year certificate, students may wish to transfer
into year two of the General Arts and Science Diploma program or transfer to another
post-secondary program.
Students can find their program design on the Student Portal by following the steps
below:
1. Log in to Student Portal
2. Click on ‘My Courses’ tab
3. Select ‘View Progress Report’ button
Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most
current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To
find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to the ‘Program Courses’.
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The program
coordinator/academic advisor and faculty can advise students on specific program and
course information such as adding/dropping courses, special timetabling, etc. Access
the Conestoga website for assistance provided through Accessibility Services. Access
the Learning Commons website for detailed information on the academic services they
provide, including Learning Skills, Peer Services, Math and Writing assistance.
Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and
withdrawal are located in the Student Guide. Course changes (add/dropping) may also
be made through the Student Portal under the “My Courses” tab.
6.2 Program Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
1. Develop insight into both self and society through general knowledge gained in a
wide range of subjects.
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2. Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order that he/she
may develop communication competence to a level required by business and
industry.
3. Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
4. Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in
developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
6.3 Program Curriculum Sequence/Design
The following is the anticipated program sequence for the 2015-16 academic year.
Occasionally, minor program design changes do occur and students are notified of
these changes.
Level One:
CDEV1121 Career Options
COMM1085 College Reading and Writing Skills
COMP1076 Computer Software Applications
LIBS1540 Student Success for Higher Learning MATH1400
Essential Mathematics
3 General Education Elective (minimum 42 hours)
Level Two:
BUS1070 Introduction to Human Relations
LIBS1520 Introduction to Social Sciences
LIBS1560 Our Domain: Introduction to World Geography SCIE1060
Understanding Science
4 General Education Electives (minimum 84 hours)
7) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s student services information.
7.1 Career Services – Program Specific
Some students seek admission to more specific vocational/educational programs at
Conestoga College or elsewhere following completion of one, two or three semesters.
Those graduating after the fourth semester often find employment relating to their
choice of vocational discipline. Some graduates continue their education at university.
10
7.2 Co-Curricular Record
The CCR is an official document, complementary to your academic transcript, which
recognizes and records learning that you have achieved through approved co-curricular
experiences at Conestoga College. For more information and how to be involved with
the CCR, please email ccr@conestogac.on.ca.
Several General Arts and Science students participate in the annual College Fair to
develop their CCR.
7.3 Co-op Services – Program Specific
Not required for this program.
7.4 Orientation – Program Specific
Program orientation activities are conducted at Conestoga College.
8) PROGRAM INFORMATION & PROTOCOLS
8.1 Academic Assistance
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The
program coordinator and faculty can advise students on specific program and course
information. Access the Conestoga website for assistance provided through
Accessibility Services. Access the Learning Commons website for detailed information
on the academic services they provide, including Learning Skills, Peer Services, Math
and Writing assistance.
8.2 Academic Dates
Refer to your Student Guide for academic dates.
8.3 Academic Probation – Program Protocols
Academic probation could occur in the following circumstances:
• one or more cited instances of plagiarism (See Academic Integrity Policy)
• lack of attendance/lack of effort in more than one course which results in multiple
failures within a year
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8.4 Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Protocols
In order to graduate, all academic requirements for the program must be completed.
Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must
complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
8.5 Attendance – Program Protocols
Regular attendance by each student is essential for successful timely completion of the
program.
8.6 Awards – Program Specific
Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants
available to Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students
through the partnerships we have established with local business and industry leaders.
To be considered for an award, complete the General Application available through your
Student Portal. Notifications and instructions to complete the application are sent to all
full-time students’ email accounts in the fall semester (Deadline: First Friday in October)
and winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in February). Visit the Financial Aid and
Student Awards Office on Conestoga’s website for more information.
8.7 Clearance of Academic Deficiency – Program Protocols
The following policy is in addition to the college-wide policy for the Clearance of
Academic Deficiencies.
In order to qualify for a supplemental exam or for supplemental work, a student must:
1) Have achieved no less than 50% as a final grade for a diploma-level course; and
2) Have completed all scheduled tests/in-class assignments and handed in all other
assignments during the semester.
In addition, the student’s work must be free of plagiarism and other forms of academic
dishonesty.
In order to write a supplemental, students must apply at the Registrar’s Office and pay
the required fee. This must be done within 5 business days after the final grade is
posted. The student must complete the supplemental evaluation as established by the
responsible course instructor within 15 business days after the final grade for the course
is posted.
It is the student’s responsibility to check the grade postings on the student portal.
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8.8 Communication – Program Standard & Emailing Protocols
In addition to correspondence between the course professor and student within the
eConestoga course shell, Conestoga College student email accounts are used to
communicate with students. Students are expected to regularly check their student
email accounts. Faculty will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email
addresses.
8.9 Eligibility – Program Protocols
This program does not have a Co-op option.
8.10 Course Add/Drop – Program
You can add, change and drop courses from your portal depending on the dates and
which program you are in:
1. Log in to the Student Portal
2. Click on the “My Courses” tab
3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings
It is strongly recommended that students consult their program coordinator/academic
advisor prior to dropping a course.
Visit the Credit Transfer Office for information on credit transfers and exemptions.
8.11 Transfer/PathwayOpportunities
Conestoga’s General Arts and Science Certificate has transfer/pathway opportunities to:
Wilfrid Laurier University (Brantford, Ontario)
University of Guelph (Guelph, Ontario)
University of Waterloo (Waterloo)
University of Guelph-Humber (Toronto, Ontario)
Griffith University (Australia)
Davenport University (Michigan, USA)
There are a number of different opportunities available to students who want to continue
studying at Conestoga. Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a
new program after graduation, Conestoga has established pathways to help you meet
your goals. Conestoga Pathways information is available on Conestoga’s website.
8.12 Deferral, Discontinuance, or Probation
Academic probation is a term used when a student's academic progress is being
monitored. Academic decisions are based on a student's academic achievement and
follows the promotion guidelines of the program. An academic decision is assigned to
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the student record indicating progress/promotion at the end of each
unit/module/semester or at the end of the academic year.
8.13 Evaluations (deadlines, tests and assignments) – Program Protocols
Prior notification of absences for tests or assignments is required and must be approved
with your professor in advance of the test date or due date. Late submission of
assignments will receive a late penalty of 10% per day.
8.14 Graduation
Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their
program of study. Students are expected to respond to their invitation through their
Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the spring and fall of each
academic year. Students, who take longer than the advertised program length, are
responsible for completing any new or additional courses due to a program design
change. Students who complete their program after the scheduled completion date are
required to fill out an Application to Graduate form and submit it with payment to the
registrar’s office. Students who are discontinued or have withdrawn and then return to
the college will be placed in the current program design and must meet all requirements
to graduate.
8.15 Program Transfer Protocols
Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meet with
the program coordinator or academic advisor. Students who decide to change programs
may do so by completing and submitting a Program Application Form to the registrar’s
office. If considering transferring to a program outside the school in which they are
currently enrolled, students may want to discuss options with a career advisor. When a
student moves from one Conestoga program to another and where courses
numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades
are met.
8.16 Program Progression
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the
designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for
completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program
of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs
must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the
program.
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8.17 Program Advisory Committee (PAC)
Each program at Conestoga has a Program Advisory Committee (PAC), which is made
up of industry and academic representatives, as well as current students. They meet
several times a year to discuss the direction in which that industry is heading and any
improvements that can be made to keep the program current. This helps to ensure that
students are learning material that is relevant to their industry.
At the beginning of each year, the coordinator of the program will ask for student
volunteers. The coordinator will decide which student will represent the program. The
student representative is expected to attend PAC meetings and must prepare and
submit a report based on guidelines provided by the Program Chair/Coordinator which
will be presented at the meetings. This student is expected to be professional, dress in
business attire and engage in discussions.
8.18 Student Feedback
Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process.
Our opportunities for student feedback include:
Key Performance Indicators
All college programs in the province are evaluated using Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This survey is
conducted each academic year. Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed
from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the
program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve
quality.
Student Appraisal of Teaching
The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on
teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT form gives teachers and
academic managers valuable information, to use for improving teaching at Conestoga.
The SAT process occurs at semester-end. One-quarter of the faculty is appraised per
term, and each has two courses selected by their academic managers for appraisal. All
teachers have a SAT review at least once every two years. Students complete either an
electronic or paper copy of the SAT. A summary of results is prepared by Institutional
Research. The report is sent to the Academic Manager who shares the report with the
faculty member AFTER all marks for the semester have been collected.
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8.19 Student Representatives – Program Protocols
CSI and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a
student/faculty meeting, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This
advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare
for the meeting.
9) FACILITY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS
Refer to the Student Guide for information on after-hours access, parking, and
classroom & computer labs.
10) SAFETY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS
10.1 Basic Safety
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security services and
procedures.
Note: Students are required to sign a CCITAL Acknowledgment of Safety Training and
Responsibilities Form (if applicable to program).
10.2 Emergency Program Protocols
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security services and
procedures.
11) CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
For a complete listing of Conestoga’s academic policies and procedures, see the
Student Guide.
12) Program Handbook Revision Log
Revised Spring 2015
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